JRE #654 – Rich Vos

This podcast features Rich Vos, a stand-up comedian, discussing a range of topics from technology to personal experiences. The conversation touches on controversial issues like antisemitism and racism, offering insightful perspectives on societal dynamics. It delves into the world of stand-up comedy, exploring the creative process, the pressure of performing, and the unique personalities of notable comedians. The podcast also tackles the sensitive subject of drug addiction, providing a raw and honest account of Vos’s personal struggles. Underlying themes throughout the podcast include the complexities of human nature, the importance of humor as a coping mechanism, and the search for meaning in a world saturated with information and technological advancements.

Podcast Topics and Summaries

1. Technology and its Impact:

The conversation begins with a discussion about smartphones, highlighting the rapid advancements in camera technology and the accessibility of information through devices like the iPhone and Samsung Galaxy S6 Edge. The discussion then shifts to social media platforms, emphasizing the increasing use of Periscope for live streaming and its potential to revolutionize podcasting and entertainment.

4 Point Summary:

1. Smartphones and their impact on photography and information access.
2. The rise of Periscope as a live-streaming platform.
3. Periscope’s potential to change podcasting and entertainment.
4. Concerns about data usage and the potential drawbacks of technology.

2. The Business of Stand-Up Comedy:

The podcast explores the challenges and rewards of being a stand-up comedian. Vos shares his insights on navigating the comedy scene, discussing the importance of honing material, building a fan base, and finding success in a competitive environment. He also talks about his unique approach to stand-up, emphasizing the importance of heart and authenticity over intellectualized comedy.

4 Point Summary:

1. The competitive nature of the stand-up comedy scene.
2. The importance of honing material and building a fan base.
3. The debate between intellectualized comedy and comedy from the heart.
4. The challenges and rewards of performing stand-up.

3. The Nature of Comedy Couples:

The podcast delves into the dynamic of comedy couples, sparked by a discussion about the comedy duo Tom Segura and Christina Pazsitzky. Vos and his wife, Bonnie McFarlane, have their own comedy podcast and a documentary, “Women Aren’t Funny,” which sparked a debate about the funniest comedy couple. Vos highlights the competitive nature of comedy, even among couples, and the importance of having a thick skin in the face of criticism.

4 Point Summary:

1. The debate about the “funniest comedy couple” and the competitive nature of comedy.
2. The importance of authenticity and self-awareness in comedy.
3. The challenges and rewards of being a comedy couple.
4. The importance of having a thick skin in the face of criticism.

4. The Problem of Antisemitism:

The conversation addresses the issue of antisemitism, a topic Vos brings up as a Jewish comedian. He shares his observations about the prevalence of antisemitism in Europe and the misguided perception that Jews control the world. Vos emphasizes the contributions Jews have made to society, especially in science, medicine, and the arts, debunking these harmful stereotypes.

4 Point Summary:

1. The persistence of antisemitism in Europe and beyond.
2. The misguided stereotype that Jews control the world.
3. The contributions Jews have made to society in various fields.
4. The importance of challenging harmful stereotypes and promoting understanding.

5. The Power of Honesty in Comedy:

Vos emphasizes the importance of honesty and vulnerability in comedy, arguing that the most impactful comedians are those who speak from their hearts and share their personal experiences. He cites examples like Patrice O’Neal and Louis C.K. as comedians who embody this approach, and he reflects on his own experiences of struggling with addiction.

4 Point Summary:

1. The power of vulnerability and honesty in comedy.
2. Comedians who speak from their hearts and share their personal stories.
3. The importance of authenticity in stand-up comedy.
4. The use of humor as a coping mechanism for dealing with personal struggles.

6. The Role of Corporations in Society:

The podcast dives into a discussion about the role of corporations in society, exploring the constant pursuit of growth and profits and its impact on employees and the environment. Vos highlights the inherent tension between corporate responsibility and the pursuit of infinite growth, while also praising companies like Costco for their commitment to employee well-being.

4 Point Summary:

1. The pursuit of infinite growth in corporations and its impact on employees and society.
2. The tension between corporate responsibility and profit maximization.
3. Examples of corporations with different approaches to employee treatment.
4. The need for companies to prioritize ethical practices and social responsibility.

7. The Role of Competition in Human Nature:

Vos explores the human drive for competition and its role in shaping societal dynamics. He argues that the desire to progress, move ahead, and excel is a fundamental human instinct that drives both innovation and greed. He uses the example of Donald Trump as a case study of someone who embodies this drive, citing Trump’s obsession with winning and his relentless pursuit of success.

4 Point Summary:

1. The human drive for competition and its impact on society.
2. The desire for progress, innovation, and achievement as a fundamental human instinct.
3. The potential for greed and ambition to drive negative outcomes.
4. The use of Donald Trump as an example of someone who embodies this drive for success and winning.

8. The Role of Politics and the Media:

The podcast delves into the complexities of politics and the media, exploring the impact of misinformation, political polarization, and the manipulation of public opinion. Vos discusses the challenges of navigating political discourse in a society where information is often distorted and where ideological divides are often amplified. He critiques the media’s focus on sensationalism and the tendency to exploit racial tensions for profit.

4 Point Summary:

1. The impact of misinformation and political polarization on public discourse.
2. The challenges of navigating political discourse in a polarized society.
3. The media’s tendency to exploit racial tensions and sensationalism.
4. The need for critical thinking and balanced perspectives in consuming media and political information.

9. The Drug Addiction Story:

Vos shares a deeply personal story about his struggles with cocaine addiction, offering a raw and honest account of his experience. He describes the highs and lows of drug use, the compulsive nature of addiction, and the challenges of overcoming it. The story provides a glimpse into the destructive power of addiction and the resilience it takes to recover.

4 Point Summary:

1. Vos’s personal experience with cocaine addiction.
2. The highs and lows of drug use and the compulsive nature of addiction.
3. The challenges of overcoming addiction and the importance of support systems.
4. The impact of addiction on relationships and personal life.

10. The Power of Humor and its Role in Society:

The podcast explores the power of humor and its role in society. Vos emphasizes that humor can be a powerful tool for coping with difficult experiences, making light of challenging situations, and bringing people together. He argues that the ability to laugh at oneself and the world around us is essential for navigating life’s complexities.

4 Point Summary:

1. The power of humor as a coping mechanism for dealing with difficult experiences.
2. Humor’s ability to make light of challenging situations and bring people together.
3. The importance of laughter and self-awareness in navigating life’s complexities.
4. The role of comedy in challenging societal norms and promoting understanding.

11. The Importance of Authenticity and Self-Acceptance:

Vos speaks candidly about the importance of being true to oneself and accepting one’s imperfections. He emphasizes that authenticity is a key ingredient in both stand-up comedy and personal life. He encourages listeners to embrace their unique qualities, even those that might be considered flaws, and to find humor in their own experiences.

4 Point Summary:

1. The importance of authenticity and self-acceptance in both comedy and life.
2. The value of embracing one’s unique qualities, including imperfections.
3. The power of finding humor in one’s own experiences.
4. The need to challenge societal expectations and embrace individuality.

12. The Power of Collaboration in the Creative Process:

Vos discusses the importance of collaboration in the creative process, highlighting the role of writing partners and mentors in shaping his comedy. He reflects on his experiences working with Chris Rock and other notable comedians, emphasizing the value of constructive feedback and the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals.

4 Point Summary:

1. The importance of collaboration in the creative process.
2. The value of writing partners and mentors in shaping comedy.
3. The power of constructive feedback and the importance of surrounding oneself with talented individuals.
4. The collaborative nature of the comedy world and the importance of supporting each other.

13. The Influence of the Comedy Scene:

The podcast explores the influence of the comedy scene, highlighting the unique personalities of notable comedians and the impact they have on each other’s work. Vos discusses the importance of mentors, peers, and the community of comedians in shaping his comedic voice.

4 Point Summary:

1. The impact of notable comedians on each other’s work and the comedy scene.
2. The importance of mentors, peers, and the community of comedians in shaping comedic voices.
3. The influence of comedy clubs and the role they play in nurturing talent.
4. The dynamics of the comedy scene and the ways in which comedians learn from and inspire each other.

14. The Importance of Social Justice and Addressing Inequality:

The conversation touches on the importance of addressing social justice issues and combating inequality. Vos expresses his concern about police brutality and racial profiling, highlighting the need for systemic change within law enforcement. He emphasizes the importance of speaking out against injustice and advocating for equality.

4 Point Summary:

1. The importance of social justice and addressing inequality.
2. Concerns about police brutality and racial profiling.
3. The need for systemic change within law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
4. The responsibility of individuals to speak out against injustice and advocate for equality.

15. The Importance of Protecting Civil Liberties:

The podcast explores the importance of protecting civil liberties, discussing the dangers of excessive government surveillance and the erosion of privacy rights. Vos criticizes the use of civil forfeiture, where law enforcement can seize assets without proof of wrongdoing, and he argues that the government should not have the power to target individuals based on their race or religion.

4 Point Summary:

1. The importance of protecting civil liberties and privacy rights.
2. The dangers of excessive government surveillance and the erosion of privacy.
3. Criticism of civil forfeiture as a violation of individual rights.
4. The need for checks and balances on government power and the importance of holding law enforcement accountable.

16. The Evolution of the Comedy Industry:

Vos reflects on the evolution of the comedy industry, discussing the impact of the internet on stand-up comedy and the changing nature of audiences. He highlights the challenges of staying relevant in a rapidly changing landscape, while also acknowledging the opportunities that new platforms like Periscope provide.

4 Point Summary:

1. The impact of the internet on stand-up comedy and the changing nature of audiences.
2. The challenges of staying relevant in a rapidly evolving industry.
3. The opportunities that new platforms like Periscope provide for comedians.
4. The ongoing evolution of comedy and the need for comedians to adapt and innovate.

17. The Importance of Finding Meaning and Purpose:

Throughout the podcast, Vos touches on the importance of finding meaning and purpose in life. He emphasizes the need to pursue passions, connect with others, and make a positive contribution to the world. He advocates for embracing individuality and using one’s gifts to create positive change.

4 Point Summary:

1. The importance of finding meaning and purpose in life.
2. The need to pursue passions, connect with others, and make a positive impact.
3. The value of embracing individuality and using one’s talents to create change.
4. The importance of finding joy and fulfillment in life’s journey.

Memorable Quotes

• “I got this iPhone 6 Plus because I want to make my little hands even look smaller when I hold this thing.”
• “The worst is when you meet a girl, you know, she’s hot, and you fly to Florida a couple of days to have sex. You know? And then, like, ‘Oh, essentially, I’m going out to lunch with her and her mother.’ Like, what the fuck?”
• “The cameras in these new phones are fucking incredible. The people that make cameras must be so bummed out. Because they used to think those little point-and-click cameras that everybody used to have, and that marketing support. As far as those nights, I started a lady the other day took a pic. Not only that, how about the people that buy the ones that are disposable? How white trash are you that you don’t that you’re buying a disposable fucking camera.”
• “I’m pretty sure you said rapid. It runs rampant.”
• “When you have that damaged personality, and that, you know, the whole ‘I’m not good enough, I’m not worried, somehow you’re gonna fuck it up.’ Mhm. You know, that’s what’s great about Bonnie. She’s as damaged as I am.”